How I Met Your Mother @ Tim Hortons

It is no secret that Tim Hortons has been invading the United States for over a decade now and tomorrow night they reach their prime when Tim Hortons is the primary backdrop for the CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother."
Although I am not a fan of the show, I am a fan of Tim Hortons and I will be watching this episode at 8p.m. local time on Monday October 19th ...which is tomorrow night for all of you who are lost in space with the boy in the balloon.
Apparently this show was nominated for an Emmy award this year for best comedy.
Though Tim Hortons is not in the storyline , the subliminal advertising is a a subtle way of invading the American mind to try our coffee and leave the dunking zone behind.
The best part of the whole deal is that Neil Patrick Harris ( a.k.a. Doogie Howser) will be the actor featured in the fake Timmies.
From a marketing perspective Tim Hortons on prime time T.V. is a definite winner.
( " I would like to thank my managers, my staff , my customers , my family , my dogs for giving me this award for best dam coffee in the entire world ....exit stage right ".)

The Art of the Pee Handstand or The World Is My Toilet According To Wizzy

The blogger heading may be the longest title I have written for a post. I just could not decide so you got both of them. Those of you who follow my musings are aware that my little yorkie has luxating patella which is a fancy terminology for dislocating kneecaps due to hereditary problems and a bad breeder who shall remain nameless. I have discussed the surgery with my vet many times. After much research,we have both come to the conclusion that we will delay the operation until such time it effects his mobility or it becomes too painful for him. Wizzy can run like the wind, never cries, and can jump like a trooper. You would never know he has a knee impediment unless you watched him hop, skip and slide the bone back in place.( This drives me crazy as I have a long time knee phobia of my own). My little lover has adapted to his weaker leg in the most peculiar way. Wizard loves his walks. The world is his toilet. He wants the neighborhood to know he is around the town. He has his favorite posts and hydrants and loves to stop at every one of them. He is not nor has he ever been a squatter. Wizzy is a real boy leg lifter. Problem is he has had to compensate for his back leg weakness and often he will stop and pee on the poles doing his unique little handstand balancing on his front paws only. He navigates his stream with male pride and the joy of release. He will often turn to me for the words 'good boy ' and I reciprocate with a treat assuring his place in the big world. I suppose it may seem a strange sight to others watching a little furball doing a 'pawstand' for a pee break. For Wiz and I , it has become a normal occurrence. I have often meant to bring my camera to catch the pee performance in progress. One day I will...until then ..
we continue on our merry way until we reach the next pitstop that needs a Wiz mark.

Hats Off To Dawn

Today is my eldest daughter's birthday. When she was a little girl we use to listen to the singing story book of Johnny Fedora and Alice Blue Bonnet. It was the story of finding true love and once you find the perfect fit to never give up on it because the world can be an empty and lonely place without it. Disney knew what he was talking about. May your story always have a happy ending and may you always find love, know love, give love and be loved.

Love ,

Mom xoxoxo

His Brother's Keeper

Ted Kennedy was the keeper of his own children as well as his brothers'. More than that, he became the keeper of his nation by living by the words he spoke. Watching his funeral today, I felt the triumph more than the tragedy. The President and Ted's sons paid tribute to a man who by his own admission was far from perfect and yet became the greatest legislator of his time. The Kennedy family will surely miss this boisterous Irishman as will his friends, supporters and adversaries. Ted Kennedy may never have made it to the highest office in the land yet he lived his dream and fulfilled his destiny. As the Arlington flame shines eternal so will the Kennedy legacy.... three brothers together at last.

GoD And DoG

A dear friend sent me this and I wanted to share with all of you.
For those of you who have ever loved a special dog in your life , you will relate to the words and want to rush right over and hug your dogs .
I know I did.

United Breaks Guitars: Song 2

We could be best buddies if you come to your senses and watch the second installment by Timmin's own Dave Carroll lamenting on the damage done to his Taylor guitar. This song is lighthearted, pure fun and I loved the butt grab.
Now the world has to wait for the last song in the trilogy of United Breaks Guitars. Music and laughter, innuendo and sarcasm .....I wanted to dance in the field with all of your family and be a part of the human guitar.

The Big Question of The Day

Do I need a hair hump? Do any of us really need a hair hump? For those of you not in the know , a hair hump is a plastic contraption that is advertised for $19.99 to add height to your hair style similar to the bee hive look of the sixties. You can tease the heck out of your hair with a comb and spray the bejesus out or do it the easy way with a hair hump ....or is it bump ?
Either way I just can't decide if I need one hump or two.

Here Lies My Memory

Beneath this sacred cross lies my memory.
Of what used to be and yet I still know not.
I know not what it is that I am supposed to remember.
For here lies my memory, gone long before my flesh.
The flesh of a body that contains a shell,
and for what purpose I cannot tell.
Some say it is best that I do not remember,
the only thing I know is what I see before me.
At least in this moment, what was, what is and what shall
be eludes me.
So I sit here in this rocking chair looking up at a sacred cross,
and maybe I remember a little of what that means.
Or all the while not despairing , I can only hope that He
who was on that cross, will remember me.
Far beyond the time when I cannot remember Him or myself.
Maybe that is all I need to know,
Always remember I loved you so.

In loving memory of "Mamanoona" who is finally free of the pain of this earth and is in the loving arms of our Lord.
For Suzanne , who loved and cared for her mother through all the years of Alzheimers..a loving example of courage and strength. Your mother's spirit lives on in you.
The 'long goodbye' has ended

Test Pattern of Life

When I was a little kid, I remember staring at this image on our old black and white television waiting for the Saturday morning cartoons. I never knew what it meant , still don't . My parent's just called it "the test pattern". It reminds me of a purgatory before all the good stuff happens. That is how I feel right now that I am in one of life's test patterns and I have to hold on tight , have faith, be patient and wait for all the good stuff to come my way. Fate has literally blindsided me in the back when I was not looking and left me hospitalized and bedridden. For the last few weeks, pain was a constant and morphine was my friend. I need time to rebuild and regain my physical strength.
Without health there is nothing.
I leave you with the test pattern. Enjoy the fleeting days of summer.
Love Ma ( 'the good stuff' )

United Breaks Guitars

I had to post this video this morning as Dave Carroll is reaching the media in a very unique way with his new song based on his true experience. Take a listen and it says the whole story in song . If you have never heard of the Sons Of Maxwell .... you will NOW !

Gone Too Soon

Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone
Another day has gone
I'm still all alone
How could this be
You're not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

But you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
But you are not alone

'Lone, 'lone
Why, 'lone

Just the other night
I thought I heard you cry
Asking me to come
And hold you in my arms
I can hear your prayers
Your burdens I will bear
But first I need your hand
Then forever can begin

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
For you are not alone

Whisper three words and I'll come runnin'
And girl you know that I'll be there
I'll be there

You are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay
For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

For you are not alone...

Tribute to an Icon

I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
I thought you would go then come back home
I thought the cold would leave by summer
But my quiet nights will be spent alone

You said there would be warm love in springtime
That is when you started to be cold
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find myself all alone

You said then you'd be the life in autumn
Said you'd be the one to see the way
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find my love has gone away

Why didn't you stay

The Man, The Myth , The Magic , and the Music

May you Rest in Heavenly Peace .

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, youll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
Youll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
Youll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile



Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
Youll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Cold Wind Blowing

360

I hate goodbyes. Always have. Yet it is a part of life we all have to deal with at some point or another. It is with a sad heart that I say farewell to two friends of mine who have been a part of my life for over 30 years. They are closing the chapter on a familiar life and opening the novel of adventure and promise in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Years from now I will look back at this photograph and remember two of the best friends I have ever had the privilege to know.
Happy trails to you.
Hello.

“Sometimes in life,

You find a special friend

Someone who changes your life

By being a part of it……..

Sometimes you find a friend

Who makes you laugh

Until you can’t stop

Someone who makes you believe

That there really is good in the world.

Someone who convinces you

That there is an unlocked door

Just waiting for you to open it.

This is forever friendship.

When you are down,

And the world seems dark and empty,

You forever friend lifts you up in spirit

And makes that dark and empty world

Suddenly seem bright and full.

Your forever friend gets you

Through the hard times, the sad times,

And the confused times.

If you turn and walk away,

Your forever friend follows you

If you lose your way,

Your forever friend guides you

and cheers you on.

You forever friend holds your hand

and tells you that everything is going to be okay.

And if you find such a friend,

You feel happy and complete

Because you need not to be worry.

You have a forever friend for life,

And forever has no end………..”

“Some friends are forever” by Laurieann Kelly

And Sings My Soul ( For Polly )

The rain came down today. It poured from the heavens like the Lord had overturned a bucket over our heads this afternoon. We were a handful of mourners gathered at the grave site to say good bye to Polly. She had passed from this earth in March. Her husband and life partner had transported her ashes from the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island to be buried beside her parents. The good thing about the rain is that you can be drenched and the raindrops and the tears merge as one. Just as Polly is now one with God and her spirit has soared to the light of heaven well beyond the storm clouds of this earth. We gathered , family and friends , at the local church to "socialize " and remember a life well traveled and well lived. She taught me a lot about "taking time" for a good glass of chardonnay and just sitting and chatting it up with no where to go but where I was in that particular moment. There was not a soul in that room today that she had not touched somehow, some way. So precious the memories , so precious the time.


One of her brothers had recited this poem I share with you now:

Journey Home

Joy Conner

---

My journey starts with a soft voice calling me into the night.
I am lifted up and drawn toward a beautiful light.
I am leaving my family, friends and all other earthly things.
I am like a bird going toward the heavens, trying out my new wings.
But as I soar upward everything becomes so clear.
Special arms are wrapped around me, removing all my fears.

I am an eagle, climbing high over the pine trees,

the lakes and the land.

A special love is gently leading me,

taking me by the hand.

I have wings, I go higher into the deep blue of the sky.

But I am leaving you and I wonder why me,

Oh God, why?

I fly like an eagle--but am more like a dove.
For I am leaving you all with a heart full of love.
My journey is taking me to a home far away.
That same voice promising I'll see you some day.
I leave you with so very much regret.
But please--do not grieve for me yet,
for my soul and spirit are finally free.
I go at peace into eternity.

We Are The World

..and we are in mourning for Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Whatever your private opinions on their respective personal lives , one cannot deny the enormous impact each had in music and the arts. One death had been expected for months now as Farrah fought for her life against the dreaded cancer that invaded her body but never stole her indomitable fighting spirit. We watched from our arm chairs as she documented the realities of cancer. Many of us have seen this in our own families and it is without a doubt, one of our greatest fears. Farrah Fawcett stared back at that fear with dignity and a defiance that surpassed any role she ever played.
The shock of Michael Jackson's death rang around the world with the beat of disbelief and sadness. His music became the sound track of a generation and will remain his greatest legacy. The days ahead will be filled with the tears of their families and friends. The entire world aches for the loss of both of them .
Farrah's smile is gone from this earth and shines on a more heavenly plane. Whether you are black or white the sudden loss of a legend is a story still unfolding.
We are the world. We are sad and we are in pain.

Father's Day Blessings

I am sitting here this morning counting my blessings , which I endeavor to do on a daily basis. Today I am most grateful for having my father in my life. He is a modest man who would shy away from any accolades but he deserves it a million fold. To know him , is to love him . No question.
He is the kind of Dad that puts the 'extra 'in extraordinary. Through life's heartaches and roadblocks , he has walked a path of compassion and love of family and friends. My Dad has a smile that can light up a room and a laugh so individual there is no doubt who it is.
His sparkling blue eyes twinkle with mischief and he will be the first to tell you he is not perfect ... but he is perfect to me, and that is all that counts.
Thank you for teaching me what really matters in life is not what I have but who I am .
I love you Dad. Forever and a day. Happy Father's Day .

The Power of Prayer

Please say a small pray for this little guy today .